Driving Off the Mountainside

[Scorpion68]

Had an exciting day today. Took the downhill neighbor out on the mountain to find a Christmas Tree. We knew where we were going and had been there many times before. However, today was different. The ground was really saturated from all the rain and snow we'd had recently. We always took my '89 Bronco cause we usually went off road to reach the site. Today was really different. I had the Bronco in 4x4 mode and didn't think I was traveling overly fast when we rounded a curve but the front end continued straight - right over the mountain side. I used very gradual steering trying to get the front end headed uphill instead of crabbing along the edge. Didn't work. We continued to travel down hill going side ways. We were looking at each other waiting for the Bronco to start the full roll but it held the mountainside. We came to rest against a couple of small trees after about 15-20 feet of sliding sideways. If we'd have missed those trees we might well have traveled another 40 feet and over the cliff edge for a 75-100' drop. Whew!!
I didn't have my camera for insitus but this is the after pics:



Not much damage considering what it could have been. We did get the Christmas tree, after we walked to my neighbors who pulled me back up the mountainside with his tractor. Talk about lessons learned.

[SDhunter]

Dang Chuck. You were just talking about this. I’m glad you’re okay.

[Scorpion68]

Roger that Gary - It was scary and probably one of the most hopeless feelings to just sit there waiting for it to roll. I quit trying to steer because everything I did just speeded us up. A little more caution on my part would have avoided the whole thing. Appreciate ya Gary.

[Hoss]

sorry about your Bronco but I am glad you are ok Chuck .

[Scorpion68]

Thanks Hoss. Yea - the Bronco is paid for so I got some body work to do now. Appreciate ya

[Kentucky point]

Wow! That was too close! Glad to see you are alright though. Truck damage can be fixed, but not people damage!

[Scorpion68]

Thanks KP. Good thing the Bronco is paid for.

[Lindenmeier-Man]

The truck damage might hurt your feelings but thank God y’all walked away !

[Broken Arrow]

Glad you're ok Chuck! Bet that was a wild ride.

[Scorpion68]

It was BA - one that I don't want to repeat.

[Ron Kelley]

Hey Chuck, Count your blessings my friend.
Glad to hear that you came through that with no personal injuries.

[Scorpion68]

I sure did Ron. The Good Lord was riding with us. Thanks

[CMD]

Amazing, Chuck. Your heart must still be racing. You get to celebrate another Christmas, my friend!

[Scorpion68]

Yea Charlie - I'm too old for that kind of excitement. Thanks - Appreciate ya

[willjo]

That just don't sound like fun, maybe in old days, glad you made it ok Chuck

[Scorpion68]

Thanks Johnny. Appreciate ya

[redrocks]

Wow Chuck your very fortunate glad your ok ..

[Scorpion68]

That I am Red. Appreciate ya

[redrocks]

Yes the Good Lord was watching out for ya. ..and I like the 89 bronco ..good old u,s,a,. Metal truck

[Josie]

You and your friend are truly blessed! That sounds scary.

[Scorpion68]

It was scary Josie and the Good Lord was watching over us for sure. Appreciate ya

[Sugaree]

Glad you are ok Chuck! I know the feeling I've rolled down a mountainside before and thought it was my end while rolling. A tree finally saved me. The tree had a yellow jacket nest in it. I'm now scared to death of Mountain roads especially when someone else has control of the wheel. This place would not be the same without you so glad you are ok!

[Scorpion68]

I'm not afraid Sugaree - just a little more cautious, especially in this type of weather. Appreciate ya

[JoshinMO]

What We do for Christmas Trees. I'm glad those Trees were There Chuck! Look's like The Door took most of It, The Bed a little also I guess. If You would have had lift or bigger Tires like Some do It might have rolled. About 3 or 4 spot's on The Bed could be much worse though.

[Scorpion68]

Yup Josh. I'm already getting parts for the repairs. But you're right - It could have been much, much worse. Appreciate ya

[Notarelichunter]

Wow Chuck, what a beautiful view you have at your house, glad no one was hurt.

[Scorpion68]

This location is one of the main reasons we choose to live here. The view off the back porch is super - I can see all the way into Kentucky. Thanks

[tomclark]

CHUCK!!! gawd! Glad y'all are OK woi

[Scorpion68]

Thanks Tom - not one of my better days but at least I lived to tell about it. Appreciate ya

[Lindenmeier-Man]

Merry Christmas !